The world’s largest stablecoin now touches 6.25% of the global population, empowering unbanked users and small businesses worldwide.
Tether Hits a Historic Milestone
Tether (USDT), the world’s leading US dollar-pegged stablecoin, has surpassed 500 million users, marking a new high point in global crypto adoption. CEO Paolo Ardoino hailed the achievement on X (formerly Twitter) as “likely the biggest financial inclusion achievement in history.”
Unlike conventional banking, Tether enables anyone with a mobile device and internet access to send, store, and receive digital dollars securely — no bank account required. The company said the 500 million figure represents individual users, not just wallet addresses, meaning roughly 6.25% of the world’s population has used USDT.
Bridging the Global Financial Divide
According to the World Bank, about 1.4 billion adults remain unbanked, lacking access to traditional financial systems. Tether’s milestone underscores how stablecoins are helping close that gap, offering an accessible bridge to digital finance, particularly in emerging economies.
Tether highlighted how crypto can be a vital tool for people in high-inflation regions or countries where funds are at risk of seizure or devaluation.
“USDT isn’t just about trading — it’s about giving people financial stability and access,” Ardoino said.
USDT in Kenya: Crypto for Survival, Not Speculation
To commemorate the milestone, Tether released a 10-minute documentary spotlighting Kenyan users who rely on USDT for everyday survival. The film shows individuals and small businesses using the stablecoin to store value and pay for imports, bypassing the volatility of the Kenyan shilling and the inefficiencies of local banking systems.
Ardoino added that 37% of USDT users now hold it primarily as a store of value, rather than for trading — signaling a shift toward real-world utility and financial empowerment.
Tether’s Market Dominance and Future Ambitions
USDT remains the largest stablecoin globally, commanding a market capitalization of $182.4 billion — roughly 58.4% of the total stablecoin market, per CoinGecko data. Its nearest rival, Circle’s USDC, trails at $76.8 billion.
Meanwhile, Tether is reportedly in talks with investors to raise up to $20 billion at an estimated $500 billion valuation, with Cantor Fitzgerald serving as lead adviser. Such a valuation would make Tether one of the most valuable private companies in the world.
As traditional banks continue to leave billions of people behind, Tether’s 500 million-user milestone signals a transformative moment for global finance — one where stablecoins are no longer a niche crypto product, but a mainstream tool for financial inclusion and economic resilience.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.